All About Kansas City: October 15, 2009

by

 

All About KC is the newest feature on KCParent.com. You ask and we answer your questions about Kansas City! From Family Fun in KC, to Date Night ideas, to the Best Places to take out-of-town guests, to inside tips on local attractions and restaurants, we have the answers! Submit a question for All About KC here.

Questions Answered:

Q: My friend in Wisconsin recently found out that her children will be unable to visit their new sibling at the hospital. They are not allowing anyone under 12 in maternity wings as an H1N1 precaution. Are Kansas City Hospitals implementing this policy as well? ~ Jessica

A: Note: On October 28, we updated information on Kansas City Hospital policies with regard to H1N1, many are now making changes. Read the latest KC H1N1 Policies here.  I called local hospitals to find out what steps they’re taking. Many doctors’ offices are asking that patients with any fever do not enter “well patient” waiting rooms, such as OB/GYN offices and Family Practice offices. For hospital visitation, traditional policies (i.e. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult) apply and hospitals are reminding visitors to “stay away” if they have fevers, coughs, colds, or any symptoms.     

    Some local hospitals are going the extra mile this fall to educate patients and visitors on “Health Safety.” Menorah Hospital set up “Sneeze Stations” at doors where they hand out pamphlets and materials on good hand hygiene, “sneeze practices,” masks, tissues, etc and help to educate patients on good practices.

    So far, Kansas City hospitals aren’t making any visitation policy changes at this time, but they are taking measures through signs and reminders to ask patients to be especially cautious about sharing germs and err on the side of caution if you’re experiencing any symptoms of the flu.

Q:Where can I find Peanut Free Foods at Restaurants for my child? ~ Stacy

A. We found several that offer Peanut Free menus for patrons. Simply ask your server for an allergy-friendly menu and they’ll provide one for you. Readers, we'd love to hear from you to add to this list!:

  • Red Robin
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • Ted’s Montana Grill
  • Olive Garden
  • Cheese Cake Factory… when you order specify the allergies and they’ll speak to you and prepare a special dessert and meal void of cross contamination.
  • Fortuna Wok

 

Q: It is getting cold earlier than usual this year and I’d still like to experience nature with my children this October, where can I go? ~ Amanda

A: Other than an outing to Bass Pro or Cabela’s (and kids do love their aquariums and animal exhibits), we love outings to our local Nature Centers. Kansas City is rich with Nature Centers, click here to read our Guide to Kansas City Nature Centers describing each center and what they offer.

    Several of the nature centers are offering special Night Hikes this fall:

  • Take a Night Hike at Ernie Miller Nature Center (909 N. Highway 7 Olathe, KS, 913.831.3355) on Oct. 30th. Listen for the nocturnal sounds of a cricket’s chorus and a barred owl’s hoot. Gather around a fire for stories, songs, and a treat.
  • Take a Hike “Through the Looking Glass” at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO, 816.655.6263). Meet wonderful storybook characters along the trail. Your family will not want to miss this delightful evening. October 16 & 17, from 6-9pm (hikes start every hour on the hour). Registration required 816.655.6263.
  • Visit the Enchanted Forest at George Owens Nature Park (1601 S. Speck Rd. Independence, MO, 816.325.7370). On Oct. 16th and 17th, and 23rd and 24th walk through candlelit trails as characters and fairy tales come to life. The adventure ends with a hayride past the park's lakes.
  • Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (87th and Greenway, Lenexa, KS) is hosting an Enchanted Forest Oct. 28th and 29th. Visit mascot characters, magicians, singers, puppets, and animals with a bonfire at the end of the trail.